How do I adjust my car's dipped headlights myself?

Correctly adjusting your dipped headlights is not only about driving comfort, but above all about the safety of all road users. Here is a simple 5-step guide on how to adjust the lights in your car yourself.

5 steps to correct light setting

Step 1: Vehicle and site preparation

Before adjusting the lights, make sure that:

• The car stands on a level surface
• Tyre pressure is correct
• The luggage compartment is not loaded
• You have a 10 m clear space in front of your vehicle
• The surface in front of the car is flat
• It is suitably dark

Step 2: Marking the control points

On the wall or gate you should:

1. Mark the centres of the headlights
2. Draw a horizontal line
3. Draw vertical lines through the centres of the reflectors
4. Measure 10 cm below for the light/shadow boundary

Dipped beams - correct adjustment

Step 3: Checking the current setting

Switch on the low beam and check:

• Is the boundary between light and shadow clear
• Does the light beam fall evenly
• Do the headlights shine symmetrically
• Is there no discolouration or shadows

Step 4: Adjusting the height of the lights

Using the knob on the car or adjusting screws:

1. Set the correct light height
2. Check that the light border is 10 cm below the marked line
3. Ensure that both headlamps are at the same height

Reflector - fine adjustment

Step 5: Fine-tuning the settings

In each spotlight you will find:

• Vertical adjustment screw
• Screw for horizontal adjustment
• Sometimes an additional screw for side correction

Check light alignment - verification

Dipped beam range

Properly adjusted dipped headlights should:

• Illuminate the road 40-50 metres in front of the vehicle
• Have a clear boundary between light and shadow
• Do not dazzle other road users

Traffic lights - differences in alignment

Unlike dipped headlights:

• They shine further and higher
• They do not have a sharp boundary between light and shadow
• Used to illuminate the road in the absence of other vehicles

Common problems and solutions

Misaligned lights - signs

Lights need adjustment when:

• Blinding other drivers
• Unevenly illuminate the road
• They have a blurred boundary between light and shadow
• They shine asymmetrically

Malfunctioning lights

Check:

1. Is the bulb operational
2. Whether the lens is fogged up
3. Is the reflector undamaged
4. Is the electrical installation working properly

When to see a specialist?

Vehicle inspection - situations requiring a visit

A visit to a vehicle inspection station is necessary when:

• You cannot get the correct setting
• The headlamp is damaged
• Suspension components replaced
• Lights strongly dazzle others

Safety rules

Remember:

• Regular checking of lights is essential
• Incorrect setting risks a fine
• If in doubt, consult a specialist
• Safety is paramount

Correct positioning of lights - benefits

• Improved visibility of the road
• Greater security
• Comfort of other drivers
• Avoiding fines

Correctly adjusted lights are the basis for safe driving. If you are unsure of your technical skills, you can always get help from a professional workshop.

Incorrect use of lights

Avoid:

• Misuse of traffic lights
• Driving with daytime running lights at night
• Ignoring burnt-out light bulbs

The most important safety rules

Correct positioning of lights - standards

Lights should:

• Illuminate the road at an adequate distance (40-50m for dipped headlights)
• Have a clear boundary between light and shadow
• Do not dazzle other road users
• Shine symmetrically

Manual light control - comments

When making adjustments, remember:

• Work with cold headlights
• Use the right tools
• Be careful with electrical installation
• Document the changes

Summary

Adjusting the lights yourself is possible, but requires accuracy and patience. If in doubt, it is always better to go to a specialist. Correct adjustment of the lights is essential for road safety.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

• How much does it cost to have the lights adjusted at a workshop? 30-100 zł
• Can you check your lights for free? Yes, during the "Your Lights - Our Safety" campaign.
• How often do I check the alignment of my lights? At least once a year and after every bulb change